Utility wristband

ABSTRACT

A utility wristband for holding magnetically attractable metallic work items thereagainst for convenient access. The wristband includes a band that having an outer and inner panel and is sized in length to wrap around the wrist of a worker. A fasteners is provided for releasably adjustably connecting the wristband around the worker&#39;s wrist. A plurality of magnets are positioned in a central portion of the wristband between outer and inner flexible panels. By alternating surface polarity of adjacent magnetic bars, the band may be shortened for small wrist sizes or fully collapsed in accordion fashion for storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/954,493 filed Sep. 17, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to a wristband for workers and handymen, and more particularly to an improved wristband for holding magnetically attractable objects such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, washers and the like for convenience.

[0004] 2. Reference to Related Art

[0005] Workmen and handymen typically need more than two hands at once to effectively control and have available the various items and tools required for a project. The ready availability of small metallic work objects such as nails, screws, nuts, bolds, tacks, washers and any other type of magnetically attractable objects is many times inconvenient. They become scattered or are in an unavailable or inaccessibly reachable position just when other tool implements and work pieces are in alignment and requiring their availability.

[0006] Prior art does disclose other devices which are intended to provide a magnetic surface attachable to torso or wrist which will retain magnetically attractable objects in a convenient location ready for use.

[0007] One such invention is disclosed by Finnegan in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,073. This invention is directed to a workman's wristband that is releasably connectable around the wrist of the workman and has a central padded area including a small metallic surface for holding such metallic objects for convenience.

[0008] Another magnetic tool holder invented by Bosch and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,059 is generally directed to an apron having a plurality of sets of magnetic strips which are oriented toward the upper margin of the apron for attaching tools such as pliers and wrenches, along with other work objects such as nuts, bolts, nails and the like.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,767 teaches a wrist mounted magnetic holder invented by Anderson that includes ceramic magnetic polarized magnets mounted in a holder for conveniently retaining small articles such as nails, screws, bolts, drill bits and the like. This device includes two distinct regions and a flux concentrator for increasing the magnetic flux density at the holding surface.

[0010] Another combined magnetic holder with armband is disclosed in U.S. Des. Pat. No. 317,730 invented by Mo.

[0011] Several other prior art devices known to applicant include portions that are magnetized by magnet segments and are included therein as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,858 to Zablotsky, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,143 to Nagler, U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,324 to Engel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,239 to Lopez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,280 to Chan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,636,568 to Stuner and U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,504 to Amani. However, these patents are only remotely similar to the structure and function of the present invention.

[0012] The present invention discloses a utility wristband that is adjustably and releasably connectable around the wrist of the user and includes a plurality of magnetic bars that are oriented in a generally parallel side-by-side relationship and held between inner and outer flexible fabric panels for retaining small magnetically attracted metal work objects such as screws, nuts, bolts, nails, washers and the like for convenient access to a worker wearing the device. The preferred embodiment includes a magnet bar orientation that will provide a convenient self-closing feature for compactness that also acts to partially shorten the overall length of the device should a worker using the device have a wrist of small dimension.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This invention is directed to a magnetic utility wristband for holding magnetically attractable metallic work items thereagainst for convenient access. The wristband includes an elongated flexible band sized in length to wrap around the wrist of a worker. End portions of the wristband include two-part releasably attachable hook and loop surfaces on corresponding overlapping inner and outer end portion surfaces whereby the band is releasably adjustably connectable only around the worker's wrist. A plurality of elongated magnetic bars are held along a central portion of the wristband in spaced substantially parallel relation one to another transversely to the length of the wristband and between the outer and inner flexible panels by a plurality of transversely spaced stitch lines connecting said outer and inner panels to form individual elongated pockets, each of which hold and position one magnetic bar. By preferred alternating surface polarity of adjacent magnetic bars, the devices may be shortenable for small wrist sizes and fully collapsible in accordion fashion for storage.

[0014] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a utility wristband for holding magnetically attractable metal work objects such as screws, nuts. bolts, nails, washers, brads and the like in a convenient location for ready access to a worker wearing the wristband.

[0015] It is another object of this invention to provide a utility wristband for retaining magnetically attractable metallic objects against the outer surface of the wristband and also providing an automatic storing feature that compactly folds the wristband in accordion fashion into a convenient size for carrying in a pocket, apron or purse.

[0016] It is still another object of this invention to provide a utility wristband that will retain magnetically attractable objects on an outer surface of the wristband and which includes an automatically adjustable length feature by the preferred orientation of plurality of the spaced elongated magnetic bars contained between the inner and outer flexible panels of the device.

[0017] In a first alternative embodiment, a plurality of magnets are held in position by gluing (or otherwise securing) the magnets to the inside surfaces of the outer and inner panels.

[0018] In a second alternative embodiment, a plurality of magnets are held position by gluing (or otherwise securing) the magnets to the inside surfaces of the outer and inner panels. The panels are constructed of a vinyl (or similar synthetic fabric) and bonded together by heat (i.e., melting) or glue.

[0019] In a third alternative embodiment, the fastener includes one portion that is positioned on an outer panel and a mating portion that is positioned on an inner panel at an end of the wristband that is opposite the one portion.

[0020] In a fourth alternative embodiment, a plurality of magnets are separately held within one of the pockets formed by transverse and longitudinal stitching lines that attach the inner and outer flexible panels together.

[0021] In accordance with these and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout and wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1A is atop plan view of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 1B is a partial top plan view of the present invention showing a web secured to a magnet;

[0025]FIG. 1C is a partial top plan view of the present invention showing an elongated tab or flap;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a section view in the direction of arrows 3-3 in FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in a partially retracted or shortened position for storage or for encircling a small wrist of a worker;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in a closed and stored position;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention installed and in use around the wrist of a user and in use;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 6 showing the automatic length-shortening feature of the invention;

[0032] FIGS. 8A-B are a top plan and side view, respectively, of a first alternative embodiment of the present invention showing magnets secured to a panel;

[0033] FIGS. 8C-D are a top plan and partial top plan view, respectively, of the first alternative embodiment showing magnets of different shapes;

[0034] FIGS. 9A-F are views of a second alternative embodiment;

[0035] FIGS. 10A-B are a top plan, cutaway side view, respectively, of a third alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention is thereshown in all views at numeral 10. The utility wristband 10 includes an outer flexible panel 12 and an inner flexible panel 14 that are generally coextensive and are connected together along common margins by edge stitching 30. A hem piece 28 surrounds and encloses the raw edges of the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 respectively, the hem piece 28 is also held by stitching 30 as shown.

[0038] One end portion of the wristband 10 includes a tab or flap 22 having one side thereof covered with one portion 24 of a fastener 25, which is preferably a hook and loop releasable attaching arrangement such as VELCRO®. As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the tab or flap 22 has a preferred total length (including the portion directly secured to the wristband 10) of 3.5 inches. However, as shown in FIG. 1C, it will be appreciated that the total length of the tap or flap 22 may be lengthened (e.g., to between 3.5-6.0 inches see e.g., FIG. 1C) or shortened (e.g., to between 2.0 and 3.5 inches) in accordance with the needs of a user. The opposite end of the wristband 10 includes a mating portion 26 of the fastener 25 (e.g., a hook and loop arrangement) whereby the wristband 10 may be releasably attached, as best seen in FIG. 6, around the wrist of a user and held fully extended and in place thereby. It will also be appreciated that other means of securing the wristband 10 around a user's wrist, such as belts, buckles or laces, may also be used with the present invention.

[0039] Positioned between the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 is a central portion 38 that includes a plurality of elongated magnetic bars 20 that are preferably formed of strontium, however, any ceramic, ferrite or rare earth magnetic material may also be used. The magnetic bars 20 are held in position in a transverse orientation with respect to the length of the wristband 10. Each of the magnetic bars 20 is separately held within one of the pockets 16 formed between lines of transverse stitching lines 18 that attach the inner and outer flexible panels 12 and 14 together. The magnetic bars 20 are similar in length to the width of the wristband 10 between the rows of stitching 30. Each of the transverse stitching lines 18 additionally provide fold lines that will be described in more detail hereinbelow. The edges 17 of the magnetic bars 20 can be straight (FIG. 1A), but are preferably rounded (FIG. 1B) in order to prevent the magnetic bars 20 from piercing either the outer 12 or inner 14 panel.

[0040] As seen in FIG. 1B, where a ceramic magnetic material is used it is conceivable that the magnetic bar 20 may crack, break or shatter as a result of the wristband 10 being dropped or mishandled. Therefore, preferably, a web 31 of fabric such as nylon or vinyl is glued to one side of the magnetic bars 20 as a means of preventing or diminishing damage to the magnetic bars 20. Specifically, the web 31 may be used to cushion the magnetic bars 20 from damage. Additionally, the web 31 serves to retain the shape/form of the magnetic bars 20 in the event the bars 20 are cracked or shattered.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the wristband 10, each of the magnetic bars 20 is oriented with opposite surface polarities with respect to the next adjacent bars so that, as best seen in FIG. 3, each adjacent magnetic bar 20 has the corresponding magnetic surface of opposite polarity. By this arrangement, when tension or stretching force is released from the end portions the plurality of magnets 20 cause the stitch fold lines 18 to fold or double back on themselves into the orientation of the plurality of magnets shown in FIG. 4 at 32.

[0042] In the configuration shown in FIG. 4 with the magnets attached to one another in the array 32, the overall length of the wristband 10 is substantially shortened. As best seen in FIG. 7, the number of pairs of magnets 20 such as that shown in 36 are variable so as to correspondingly vary the overall effective length of the wristband 10 for attachment around smaller wrists.

[0043] When fully installed, as best seen in FIG. 6, onto the wrist of a work person, the entire central portion 38 of the wristband 10 and the magnetic bars 20 contained therewithin will magnetically attract and hold metallic work objects against the exposed surface of the outer panel 14 by magnetic attraction to metallic work objects such as those shown, namely nails, nuts, bolts, screws, washers and the like. These work objects are thusly made readily accessible to the worker during further activity in preparation for their installation.

[0044] A further benefit of the alternate polarity of the magnetic bars 20 is shown in FIG. 5 wherein the entire array of magnetic bars 20 are allowed to attach against one another in the magnetic bar array 32. Thereafter, the flap or tab 22 is wrapped around and attached to the mating surface 26 to retain the compact stored configuration of the wristband 10 for easy carrying and stowage.

[0045] Referring again to FIG. 3, by reorienting the alternate polarity of the magnetic bars 20 so that the same polarity is aligned with each of the inner and outer panels 12 and 14, respectively as shown in parenthesis, the automatic folding or retracting feature previously described in the preferred embodiment is eliminated or made inoperative. When the magnetic bars 20 are so oriented with each of the polarities oriented in the same direction, the device will exhibit no tendency to fold upon itself about the stitch lines 18, but rather will be maintained in the outstretched orientation of the device as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the elongated pockets 16 are sufficiently wide to allow the selected magnetic bars 20 to be rotated axially 180° to enable selection of the preferred polarity for the desired functionality in this regard.

[0046] The outer flexible panel 12 cannot have a thickness or fabric density that would substantially reduce the attractive magnetic flux of each of the magnetic bars 20. The preferred fabric is a 70 denier imitation microfiber. The inner flexible panel 14 may be somewhat heavier, preferably 420-840 denier nylon, but should not be so thin or stiff so as to excessively stiffen the folding characteristics of the stitch lines 18 as previously described.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-D, a first alternative embodiment of a utility wristband 100 includes an outer flexible panel 12 and an inner flexible panel 14 that are generally coextensive and which are connected together along common margins by edge stitching 30. A hem piece 28 surrounds and encloses the raw edges of the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 respectively, the hem piece 28 also held by stitching 30 as shown.

[0048] Positioned between the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 is a central portion 38 that includes a plurality magnets 20′ that are preferably formed of strontium, however, any ceramic, ferrite or rare earth magnetic material may also be used. As best shown in FIG. 8B, the magnets 20′ are held in position by gluing (or otherwise securing) the magnets 20′ to the inside surfaces 13, 15 of the outer 12 and inner 14 panels. The magnets 20′ are preferably oriented with opposite surface polarities with respect to the next adjacent magnet 20′. The magnets 20′ may also be oriented, in the alternative, such that the surface polarities of all the magnets 20′ are aligned. It will also be appreciated that the surface polarities of the magnets 20′ may be oriented such that the surface polarities of some adjacent magnets 20′ arc opposite while the polarities of other adjacent magnets 20′ are aligned. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the magnets 20′ may be orientated to promote or hinder (according to the needs of the user) the folding action discussed above in regard to the preferred embodiment of the wristband 10.

[0049] As seen in FIGS. 8C and 8D the magnets 20′ preferably have a rectangular 21 or square shape with rounded edges (FIG. 8C) or take the shape of a circle 23 or disc (FIG. 8D).

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-F, a second alternative embodiment of a utility wristband 200 includes an outer flexible panel 12 and an inner flexible panel 14 which are generally coextensive. The panels 12, 14 are preferably constructed of a vinyl (or similar synthetic fabric) and bonded together by heat (i.e., melting). Alternatively, the panels 12, 14 may be glued together or sewn (FIGS. 9D and 9F) together without the use of a hem piece 28. As best shown in FIGS. 9A and 9D, one portion 24 of a fastener 25 (preferably, a hook and loop arrangement) is positioned on the outer panel 12 with a mating portion 26 of the fastener 25 being positioned on the inner panel 14 at an end of the wristband 200 opposite the one portion 24.

[0051] As with the first alternative embodiment of the wristband 100, the magnets 20′ are held in position by gluing (or otherwise securing) the magnets 20′ to the inside surfaces 13, 15 of the outer 12 and inner 14 panels. The magnets 20′ may be oriented in any manner discussed in connection with the first alternative embodiment.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-B, a third alternative embodiment of a utility wristband 300 includes an outer flexible panel 12 and an inner flexible panel 14 that are generally coextensive and which are connected together along common margins by edge stitching 30. A hem piece 28 surrounds and encloses the raw edges of the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 respectively, the hem piece 28 also held by stitching 30 as shown. The magnets of this embodiment are preferably positioned, secured and oriented in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the wristband 100. The fastener 25 is construction in accordance with the second preferred embodiment 200.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 11, a fourth alternative embodiment of a utility wristband 400 includes an outer flexible panel 12 and an inner flexible panel 14 that are generally coextensive and which are connected together along common margins by edge stitching 30. A hem piece 28 surrounds and encloses the raw edges of the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 respectively, the hem piece 28 also held by stitching 30 as shown. Positioned between the inner and outer panels 12 and 14 is a central portion 38 that includes a plurality of magnets 20′ that are preferably formed of strontium, however, any ceramic, ferrite or rare earth magnetic material may also be used. Each of the magnets 20′ is separately held within one of the pockets 16 formed by transverse 18 and longitudinal 19 stitching lines that attach the inner and outer flexible panels 12 and 14 together. The magnets 20′ may be oriented in any manner discussed in connection with the first alternative embodiment. The fastener 25 of the fourth embodiment 400 is construction in accordance with the second preferred embodiment 200.

[0054] While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles. 

I claim:
 1. A utility wristband comprising: a flexible band sized in length to wrap around the wrist of a worker, said band having end portions, a central portion between said end portions, an an outer panel and an inner panel and a fastener for securing said band around said workers wrist, said outer and inner panels being connected together along common side and end margins; a plurality of magnets positioned in said central portion of said band between said inner and outer panels; whereby magnetically attractable metallic work items are magnetically adhered against said outer panel for convenient access.
 2. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 3. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a belt and buckle.
 4. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises laces.
 5. The utility wristband of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of transverse spaced stitch lines connecting said outer and inner panels to form individual elongated pockets.
 6. The utility wristband of claim 5, wherein said plurality of magnets comprise a plurality of elongated magnetic bars, each magnetic bar of said plurality of magnetic bars being positioned in one of said elongated pockets such that said bars are held in spaced substantially parallel transverse relation one to another.
 7. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein said magnets are secured to said inner panel and said outer panel.
 8. The utility wristband of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of transverse and longitudinal stitching lines connecting the inner and outer panels form a plurality of pockets.
 9. The utility wristband of claim 7, wherein each magnet of said plurality of magnets is positioned in one of said pockets.
 10. The utility wristband of claim 1, further comprising a web secured to a side of each magnet of said plurality of magnets.
 11. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein each magnet of said plurality of magnets is oriented with opposite surface polarities with respect to any adjacent magnet.
 12. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein each magnet of said plurality of magnets is oriented with aligned surface polarities with respect to any adjacent magnet.
 13. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein each magnet of said plurality of magnets is oriented with opposite surface polarities with respect to an adjacent magnet.
 14. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein the edges for each magnet of said plurality of magnets rounded.
 15. The utility wristband of claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises one portion positioned on said outer panel and a mating portion positioned on said inner panel 14 at an end of said wristband opposite the one portion.
 16. A utility wristband comprising: an elongated band sized in length to wrap around the wrist of a worker, said band having end portions, a central portion between said end portions, an outer panel and an inner panel, and a fastener for securing said end portions, said inner panel and outer panel being connected together along common side and end margins, said central portion including a plurality of pockets; a plurality of magnets, each magnet of said plurality of magnets being positioned in one pocket of said plurality of pockets; whereby magnetically attractable metallic work items are magnetically adhered against said outer panel for convenient access.
 17. A utility wristband comprising: an elongated band sized in length to wrap around the wrist of a worker, said band having end portions, a central portion between said end portions, an outer panel and an inner panel, and a fastener for securing said end portions, said inner panel and outer panel being connected together along common side and end margins, said central portion including a plurality of pockets; a plurality of magnets, each magnet of said plurality of magnets being positioned in one pocket of said plurality of pockets and having a surface polarity thereof oppositely oriented to that of an adjacent magnet; whereby magnetically attractable metallic work items are magnetically adhered against said outer panel for convenient access. 